Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who was responsible for the saving of a large number of Jews during the Holocaust.

The ACT government did suggest a single ceremonial tree from Hungary, Sweden or Israel be planted in a forest at the arboretum, although the offer is yet to be taken up.

Israel's ambassador to Australia, Yuval Rotem, said he was disappointed the ACT government did not help.

Three embassies - Israel, Hungary and Sweden - unsuccessfully lobbied the ACT for a memorial and a street named after Mr Wallenberg. Eventually it was the Australian National University which agreed to host a memorial.

Ms Gallagher said groups involved in organ donation and diplomatic affairs had unsuccessfully asked for memorials.